Conference Agenda

  • P1: Plenary (09:30-11:00)

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    Prior to the series of 60-minute work sessions, the day's conference activities kick off with a series of special keynote presentations in a 90-minute Plenary available to all delegates.

    Speakers:

    09:30 - Andy Sawford: Chief Executive: Local Government Information Unit;

    09:40 - Rt Hon John Denham MP: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government;

    10:00 - Caroline Spelman MP: Conservative Party Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government;

    10:20 - Julia Goldsworthy MP: Liberal Democrats Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

    10:40 - Delegate/Speaker Q & A

    NB: Individual delegates should note that, following the Plenary, they are then able to attend three of the 60-minute work sessions shown below, i.e. - one from the 11:30-12:30 timeslot; one from the 13:30-14:30 timeslot ; and one from the 15:00-16:00 timeslot.
  • A1: Better scrutiny – better results (11:30-12:30)
    Scrutiny is now a vital part of a councillor’s role, looking at the work not only of the council but of other public bodies as well. This work session is intended to help with both understanding and implementation of the scrutiny process, helping to make it a valuable tool for all concerned. (Session Speakers: Dr Jonathan Carr West - Head of Centre for Local Democracy: Local Government Information Unit (LGiU); Alan Waters - Policy Analyst - Local Government Information Unit (LGiU))
  • A2: Safeguarding adults: what councillors need to know (11:30-12:30)
    The coming changes in adult social care will herald a critical new stage in the delivery of transformed, personalised social care services for adults. An opportunity for councillors to hear more about the latest knowledge, evidence and innovation in this area.PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES AND CONNECTIONS OF SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN (Session Speakers: Amanda Edwards - Deputy Chief Executive: Social Care Institute for Excellence.)
  • A3: Community asset transfer (11:30-12:30)
    An opportunity to learn more about how underused local authority land and buildings can be transformed into vibrant community spaces, as a means of empowering communities, developing a robust community sector, supporting enterprise and delivering public benefit. (Session Speakers: Hugh Rolo - Head of Assets and Investment: Development Trusts Association.)
  • A4: Leadership 2.0: why local authorities need to be learning organisations (11:30-12:30)
    For all the talk of the online revolution and the growth of social networking, the interesting bit remains the implications of the technology rather than the technology itself. This session explores the opportunities for improvement and efficiency that the new culture of openness and sharing brings - and how councillors can make sure their councils make the most of them. (Session Speakers: Dave Briggs Community Evangelist: Learning Pool)
  • B1: Councillor tax and benefits explained (13:30-14:30)
    Whether looking at the tax implications of a councillor’s allowance or the possible effect on benefits, this is an important topic for councillors. This work session uses the expertise built up at the LGiU to explain in clear language the rules, and to answer questions about how they apply to the many different situations councillors experience. (Session Speakers: Bob Prew - Independent welfare rights consultant)
  • B2: Creating more child-friendly communities (13:30-14:30)
    Making children's play a priority can bring significant rewards to communities and can contribute to a range of outcomes your authority may be prioritising such as community cohesion, educational attainment, obesity and safety. This work session will consider the implications of legislation such as the national Play Strategy and the Statutory Guidance to Children’s Trusts, and suggest practical ways in which you as councillors can improve the health and happiness of local neighbourhoods through improving the play 'offer'.(Session Speakers: Catherine Prisk - Assistant Director: Play England; Stephanie Young - Play Shaper Programme Manager: Play England.).
  • B3: Cutting carbon across your community (13:30-14:30)
    Major changes to the world’s climate are international news, but the real effect on people’s lives is at a local level. Many environmental issues will have a real impact on the role of councillors. This session will focus on the role of councillors as community leaders and the Energy Saving Trust tools available to help you cut carbon across your community. (Session Speakers - Andy Deacon: Head of Regional and Local Delivery: Energy Saving Trust.).
  • B4: Making social networking work for you (13:30-14:30)
    The internet and the phenomenon of social networking have fundamentally changed the way we work and communicate with each other. This interactive session provides practical examples of how councillors can use social networking effectively and ethically to engage with and deliver to local communities. (Session Speakers: Anne Rehill - Guidance and Liaison Manager: Standards for England; Ingrid Koehler: Improvement Strategist: Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA); Councillor Mary Reid - Liberal Democrat Councillor: Chessington North & Hook / Chair: South of the Borough Neighbourhood: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.)
  • C1: Council finances – the 2010 challenge (15:00-16:00)
    It’s painfully clear that the next few years hold tough times and tough decisions for local government. This work session helps prepare councillors for the times ahead by explaining the structure of council finance, how it relates to the national economic situation, and the inevitable call for efficiencies and savings. (Session Speakers: Dr Jonathan Carr West - Head of Centre for Local Democracy: Local Government Information Unit (LGiU);Alan Waters - Policy Analyst - Local Government Information Unit (LGiU).)
  • C2: A load of rubbish? Cutting the cost of waste and keeping the voters happy (15:00-16:00)
    The cost of dealing with waste and recycling is continuing to rise. What strategies are there to keep these costs from rocketing and how can we make changes whilst keeping our residents happy? (Session Speakers: Phillip Ward - Director of Local Government Services: WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme))
  • C3: Ageing population (15:00-16:00)
    We all know we have an ageing population – but what are we doing about it? This work session will update you on the scale of the challenge and how local authorities are responding, and what big decisions still need to be taken. (Session Speakers: Geoff Ashton - Older People and Ageing Society Division Strategic Communications Manager: Department for Work and Pensions; Helen Dimmock - Later Life Performance Support Team Manager: Department for Work and Pensions; Janet Sillett Policy Analyst - Centre for Service Transformation: Local Government Information Unit (LGiU).)
  • Drinks Reception / C’llr 10 Achievement Awards (16:00 -16:45)
    A special drinks reception, for all speakers and delegates, incorporating the C’llr 10 Achievement Awards, supported by CCLA and LGiU.